Iran thanks India after airborne commandos recapture pirate-held vessel Azini off Somalia, rescue 20 crew members

Iran has thanked India, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force after Indian forces rescued 20 Iranian crew members from the hijacked fishing vessel Azini in the Arabian Sea. The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi on Tuesday praised the operation, which involved the deployment of Indian Navy commandos to the vessel off Somalia and lasted 48 hours.

In a statement shared on X, the embassy commended the Indian Armed Forces for their professionalism, courage and coordination, saying the mission reflected India's commitment to humanitarian assistance and its willingness to save lives beyond its borders.

The embassy also described the rescue as an example of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between India and Iran. It expressed gratitude to everyone involved in bringing the Iranian crew members to safety.


Also Read: Watch video: How the Indian Navy freed hijacked fishing vessel Azini and rescued all 20 crew members in a 48-hour operation in the Arabian Sea

Indian Navy commandos secure pirate-held Azini off Somalia

The fishing vessel had been hijacked by armed pirates off the northeastern coast of Somalia. The Indian Navy launched an operation to locate and intercept the vessel, which was also assessed as a potential mother ship for further attacks on merchant vessels.

The mission involved a Navy warship and maritime reconnaissance aircraft, which tracked the vessel through sustained surveillance. Indian Navy Marine Commandos were subsequently deployed to the ship through a precision airdrop supported by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft.

The commandos secured the vessel and neutralised the pirate threat, enabling the safe release of all 20 crew members. The operation was completed on November 2, after 48 hours, more than 3,000 km from Mumbai.

Rajnath Singh praises Navy's response and IAF support

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Indian Navy on the successful mission in a post on X. He said the operation demonstrated the Navy's ability to locate and intercept a hijacked vessel and secure the release of its crew from heavily armed pirates.

Singh also acknowledged the Indian Air Force's timely assistance, saying the coordination between the forces reflected the Navy's operational preparedness and capacity to respond to maritime threats across the region.

Praising the personnel involved, the Defence Minister said the operation demonstrated India's resolve to protect lives, uphold maritime security and contribute to stability across the Indian Ocean Region.

Singh reiterated that India would continue its efforts to ensure safe seas and maintain a free, open and secure Indian Ocean Region.